Antrim vs Carlow: Prediction & Odds - Leinster Hurling

🏆 Antrim vs Carlow Leinster Championship Prediction

Although Antrim and Carlow have both experienced miserable Leinster campaigns so far, they had contrasting fortunes in the 2024 National League. More specifically, Antrim suffered relegation from Division 1B after losing all five of their matches, while ‘The Dolmen County’ are heading in the opposite direction after finishing top of Division 2A.

Sure, Carlow subsequently lost the divisional final after a disappointing 13-point defeat to Laois at Dr Cullen Park, but they performed with distinction for much of the campaign and boasted the league’s top scorer in Marty Kavanagh.

The 29-year-old centre forward struck 4-46 in his six league appearances, scoring 58 points in total at a rate of 9.66 per game. This included a 12-point haul (1-9) in defeat during the loss to Laois. He has continued his good form throughout the Leinster Championship, contributing 0-35 in four matches and 0-13 in the competitive five points loss to Dublin on April 27th.

Both Kavanagh and Chris Nolan could prove key for Carlow, especially with Antrim’s leaky defence having already shipped 12 goals in just four provincial matches. In total, they’ve conceded 20 goals in their last nine competitive games, whereas Carlow have scored 15 in 10 matches in all competitions since February 4th.

Carlow also showcased both their attacking flair and increased resilience in the 1-20 to 1-20 draw with Kilkenny on matchday three. Kavanagh held his nerve to strike a 75th-minute free and earn Carlow a historic, come-from-behind tie at Dr Cullen Park, and I’m tipping the Dolmen County to have a little too much firepower for Antrim at the weekend.

💯 Antrim vs Carlow Leinster Championship Odds

There are plenty of hurling betting markets available ahead of the clash between Antrim vs Carlow, from picking the match winner to half and full-time wagering. The over/under on how many points will be scored during the 70 minutes may also be popular given Antrim’s recent defensive vulnerability, although the evenly matched nature of the two sides may encourage you to avoid handicap betting. Winning margin betting offers a viable alternative to handicapping in this instance.

Antrim vs Carlow: Match Winner

As for the win market, Ireland’s best betting sites have made Antrim the narrow favourites to prevail. This is largely due to the fact that they have a home advantage, with ‘The Saffrons’ priced at around 1.65 to defeat Carlow. These odds imply a 60.60% probability of a home win. Conversely, you can back Carlow to triumph at around 2.70, so Dolmen County have a 37.03% chance of winning and avoiding relegation to the Joe McDonagh Cup. You can get on the draw at a high price of 9.50, implying just a 10.52% probability of the match ending tied.

Team to win
Antrim to Win	1.57	1.67	1.67	1.55	1.64
Carlow to Win	2.50	2.75	2.50	2.70	2.70
Draw	9.00	9.00	8.50	9.50	9.50

✔️ Antrim vs Carlow - Betting Tips

There are a number of potential betting markets that offer value here, especially as neither side is a particularly heavy favourite to win. But which markets and wager types offer optimal value? Here are some betting tips to help place the best value bets and make the most out of your starting bankroll and available free bets!

• : Tip 1: Back Carlow to Win Outright: These two sides haven’t met competitively since 2017, while their last provincial clash took place in May 2015 (this was won by Carlow). Overall, Carlow have lost just one of their last four Leinster and National League games against Antrim, although the Saffrons did defeat their rivals by three points in the Division 2A final in 2017. Still, Carlow have scored more points than Antrim this season and conceded just six goals in four provincial matches (compared to 12 for their opponents), so there’s value in backing them to win outright at a price of 2.75 with 888Sport.
• Tip 2: Back Carlow to Win by Between 1 and 3 Points: The last four meetings between these two sides have produced a combined winning margin of 22 points, at an average of 5.5 points per game. These numbers have also been inflated by Carlow’s storming 13-point Leinster win in May 2015, so there’s scarcely little to choose between the two sides. Home advantage will also afford Antrim a greater competitive edge, and even if the Saffron’s porous defence does let them down at Corrigan Park, you should consider backing Carlow to win by a nominal margin of between 1 and 3 points at the enhanced price of 5.50 with BoyleSports.
• Tip 3: Back Antrim and Carlow in the Half-Time, Full-Time Market: Regardless of their defensive woes, Antrim still boast genuine attacking quality in the form of Coral Cunning and James McNaughton, who have contributed a combined 1-29 in Leinster matches so far and scored 32 of the team’s 79 points. The Saffrons will also start fast at Corrigan Park, while Carlow showcased their considerable stamina and mental fortitude during the draw against Kilkenny two weeks ago. So, consider backing Antrim and Carlow in the half-time, full-time Market at the competitive price of 7.50 with BoyleSports.

1️⃣ Antrim Update

Antrim fans have endured a torrid 2024 campaign so far, winning just one of their nine National League and Leinster matches in total. They’ve suffered some heavy defeats during this sequence, too, with Limerick administering a 30-point thrashing in Division 1B and Kilkenny recording a 32-point winning margin in the first round of Leinster fixtures. Since regrouping to defeat Wexford at Corrigan Park on matchday two, they’ve lost by 21 points in Dublin and by a 14-point margin to Galway at home, meaning that they’ve now shipped an incredible 12 goals and 143 points in total at a rate of 35.75 per game in the provincial competition.

It should be noted that Antrim’s poor season can partially be attributed to a sizeable injury list, but key players like Keelan Molloy Ryan Elliott, Sean Elliott and Nigel Elliott all made their return ahead of the provincial campaign. However, Ciaran Clarke has yet to make his return from a long-standing knee injury, while Seamus McAuley is nursing a knock and may not be risked against Carlow. Stephen Rooney is also recovering after minor surgery and will continue to be assessed this week.

2️⃣ Carlow Update

While Carlow slumped to a heavy 26-point loss against Wexford last time out, they’ve otherwise been largely competitive in the Leinster SFC after a successful National League campaign. Holding Kilkenny to an epic draw at Dr Cullen Park was an undoubted highlight, while Carlow only lost by five points against Dublin having led by four at half-time. Laois were the only team to beat them in Allianz Division 2A this season, as the prolific Marty Kavanagh propelled them to back to the top flight. In addition to his 58-point National League haul in 2024, Kavanagh has also struck 4-111 in just 19 Leinster appearances during a stellar career and is one to watch this weekend.

James Doyle has now made two substitute appearances after recovering from a knock incurred towards the end of the National League season, coming on at half-time in the defeat against Wexford. He’s now in contention to start against Antrim, although it has yet to be seen whether he’ll be risked. John Michael Nolan is also suspended for the trip to Antrim, after he collected two yellow cards on matchday four.

👕 Antrim v Carlow - Potential Lineups

✒️ Lewis Humphries – Expert Tipster

Lewis Humphries is an experienced football and GAA writer and tipster from the UK. He writes regularly about the Champions League, Premier League, Serie A and the GAA provincial championships, regularly delivering expert match predictions and betting insights. He also successfully predicted the winner of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, while accurately forecasting the outcome of several group stage and knockout games.